Information handling system multi-stream cable throughput management

ABSTRACT

An information handling system communicates with external devices, such as a docking station, through a multi-protocol streaming cable, such as USB 3.0 (or greater) cable having a USB data protocol, a DisplayPort graphics protocol and a power transfer protocol. Upon detection of excessive errors at the cable, the multi-protocol stream is adjusted to maintain errors within an acceptable range and prioritize information transferred through one of the protocols. Adjustments may include changes to the number of data lanes assigned to each protocol, changes to the rate at which information is transferred with each protocol and changes to power transfer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of portableinformation handling system cable communications, and more particularlyto an information handling system multi-stream cable throughputmanagement.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Portable information handling systems integrate processing components, adisplay and a power source in a portable housing to support mobileoperations. Portable information handling systems allow end users tocarry a system between meetings, during travel, and between home andoffice locations so that an end user has access to processingcapabilities while mobile. Generally portable information handlingsystems include one or more ports that support communication withexternal power and peripheral devices, such as a keyboard, mouse,network interface, docking station interface and display. Conventionalportable information handling systems tended to include multiple portsof multiple types to support different types of interfaces. For example,a DisplayPort or HDMI port couples to a display cable to communicatepixel values to a display for presentation of visual images; a powerport couples to a power port compatible by its configuration with anexternal AC/DC power source that provides DC power to run the processingcomponents and charge an internal battery; an Ethernet port couples to aCAT V cable to interface with a local area network (LAN); and aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) cable couples to peripheral devices fortransfer of information and, in some instances power.

With improvements in processing component power and thermalcharacteristics, portable information handling systems have trendedtowards thinner or low Z-height housings. End user's tend to preferthinner and lighter weight portable systems that are less bulky whenstored. One problem that arises with such thinner systems is that thehousing tends to have less space and structural robustness for includingexternal cable ports. To address this difficulty, low profile systemshave adopted USB 3.0 and later interfaces that include multipleprotocols in a single port and cable. For instance, USB 3.1 interfacescan provide simultaneous USB data protocol transfers, DisplayPortgraphic protocol transfers and bi-directional power transfers. Toprovide flexibility to adapt to different data transfer demands, the USBand DisplayPort protocols allocate two data lanes between each other,such as by switching between two or four data lane DisplayPortconfigurations depending upon the bandwidth needed for display datatransfer. Each data lane is a twisted pair differential serial interfacethat sends data signals with opposing polarity so that the differencebetween the signals on a twisted pair provides the data values. When aUSB 3.0 or later interface switches data lanes between USB data andDisplayPort data, the signals transferred through each differentialsignal pair changes protocol.

One difficulty that arises with a multi-protocol interface ismaintaining information transfer as conditions change at the cable andport. Differential signal pair communications appear on a scope as an‘eye” pattern that has an opening formed by the out of phase signals. Assignal strength deteriorates, the eye collapses making the distinctionbetween data values more difficult to identify. Signal strength can varysubstantially based upon the length and quality of the cable used forcommunication and noise conditions at the environment. Generally, toadapt to different conditions, a calibration is performed duringcommunication link training that defines a communication link qualityand related link speed for reliable signal transfer. Reduced signalstrength is typically managed by reducing signal transfer speeds so thatfewer errors occur. In addition, error correction checksums used in theUSB and DisplayPort protocols allow error correction, such as for a bitof data with each packet transferred. However, in a multi-protocol cabledifferent types of data are simultaneously transferred along with powerso that a dynamic noise environment can disrupt signal communication inexcess of available error correction resulting in repeatedretransmission of data. This dynamic noise situation can result inunpredictable disruptions of data communication that impact systemperformance and the end user experience. For example, when errors becomeexcessive on a link with repeated retransmissions, the link fails andre-initializes. These types of failures may cycle repeatedly as noiseand data transfer rates on different protocols change over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which providesinformation handling system multi-stream cable throughput management.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for managing cablecommunications at an information handling system. Communicationparameters of a multi-protocol stream passing through a common cable areadjusted in response to a predetermined number of errors to manage aconsistent cable interface and prioritize information for communicationacross the cable. In a USB cable and interface, data and graphic laneassignments and power transfer are adjusted to provide communicationtransfer rates that meet link reliability and information transferconstraints.

More specifically, an information handling system processes informationwith processing components disposed in a housing, such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) that executes instructions stored in memory toprocess information for presentation as visual images at a display. Theinformation handling system interfaces with external devices, such as adocking station or peripheral display, through a multi-stream cable,such as USB 3.0 or greater cable that supports a USB data protocol, aDisplayPort graphics protocol and USB power transfer protocol. Acommunications manager disposed in the information handling systemmonitors errors reported by each protocol to determine if an errorthreshold is met, such as by counting link resets, USB bit errorcorrections and DisplayPort forward error corrections. When an errorthreshold is met, the communications manager determines a communicationprotocol having a priority and adjusts communication parameters toachieve the priority without communication link resets that can disruptthe end user experience. For example, the number of data lanes assignedto the data and graphics protocols are adjusted so that a data transferrate with reliable error control is available for the priority protocoland data transfer on other protocols is throttled as needed. As anotherexample, power transfer may adjust voltage or current to achieve a noiseprofile having less impact on the prioritized protocol.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that aninformation handling system adopts to a dynamic multi-streamcommunication environment having asynchronous data communication byadjusting data transfer and power transfer from a system level toachieve system operational objectives. If errors at a multi-streamcommunication cable exceed a threshold, communication rates are adjustedat a system level to manage data throughput on a use case thatemphasizes system level priorities. For instance, a decrease in displaydata transfer may be appropriate where applications presented by thedisplay have a limited color palette. As another example, reducing powertransfer may be appropriate where power consumption is limited and/orbattery charge state is high. USB data transfers may be adjusted tolower rates where the amount of data transferred will fit through adecreased bandwidth or by transitioning display lanes to USB transfer.Reducing link resets improves system performance and the end userexperience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an information handling systeminterfacing with external devices through a multi-stream protocol cablethat adapts communication protocols to achieve information transferconstraints;

FIG. 2 depicts an example embodiment of a USB Type C software stacksupporting cooperation between different protocol streams with athroughput manager;

FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of a process for prioritizing protocolsfor communication through a multi-stream cable;

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of a process for adjusting multi-streamcommunication where a graphics protocol has priority;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a process for adjusting multi-streamcommunication where a USB data protocol has priority; and

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a process for adjusting multi-streamcommunications and power delivery to achieve information transferconstraints.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system manages communication through amulti-stream cable by adapting protocol parameters and data transferrates to reduce link resets that disrupt system operations. For purposesof this disclosure, an information handling system may include anyinstrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute,classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch,store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilizeany form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling systemmay be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any othersuitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality,and price. The information handling system may include random accessmemory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/orother types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of theinformation handling system may include one or more disk drives, one ormore network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, anda video display. The information handling system may also include one ormore buses operable to transmit communications between the varioushardware components.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram depicts an information handlingsystem 10 interfacing with external devices through a multi-streamprotocol cable 40 that adapts communication protocols to achieveinformation transfer constraints. In the example embodiment, informationhandling system 10 processes information in a portable housing 12 havingan integrated display 14 to present the information as visual images. Inalternative embodiments, housing 12 may have a desktop, all-in-one orother type of configuration. A central processing unit 16 executesinstructions, such as an operating system and application, to processinformation in cooperation with a memory 18, such as a random accessmemory (RAM), that stores the instructions and information. A chipset 20manages CPU 16 operations, such as clock speed and memory accessesthrough a PCIe bus 24 or other internal communication bus. An embeddedcontroller 22 manages hardware and embedded code cooperation, such as toprovide power and thermal management for the processing components. Forinstance, embedded controller 22 interfaces with a power manager 28,such as a charger integrated circuit, to coordinate power supply from anexternal power source or a battery 30 and to manage charging of battery30. A graphics processor unit (GPU) 26 interfaces with CPU 16 to processinformation for presentation at display 14. For example, GPU 26processes information to generate pixel values that define visual imagesfor presentation at pixels of display 14.

In the example embodiment, information handling system 10 interfaceswith three external devices through a multi-stream Type C USB cable 40:a docking station 32, a peripheral display 34, and a smartphone 52. Eachcable 40 terminates in a Type C USB plug that couples to a Type C USBport 38. Within information handling system 10, communication with oneor plural USB ports 38 is managed by a communications manager, such asUSB hub having a Type C Port Manager (TCPM). Each USB port 38 supportsan interface with wirelines of USB cable 40 through USB plug 42. USB 3.0and later standards define twisted pair differential signal data lanesthat configure between communication of USB data or display datadepending upon bandwidth needs of information handling system 10. Inaddition, USB 3.0 and later cables 40 and ports 38 supportbi-directional power transfer through the Power Deliver (PD) standard.The example embodiment depicts communication manager 36 interfacedthrough power lanes 44 with power manager 28 to supply power that runsthe processing components and charges battery 30, such as with powercommunicated at 5, 9, 15 and 20V for up to 100 W of power. USBcommunications manager 36 provides communication of graphicsinformation, such as pixel values to scan to peripheral display 34,through graphics lanes 48. For instance, graphics lanes 48 include fourunidirectional graphics data lanes that carry DisplayPort packets andone bi-directional auxiliary lane 50 that carries DisplayPort controlsignals. Data lanes 46 carry bi-directional data with USB protocolpackets.

Communications manager 36 adjusts protocol parameters for the data,graphics and power lanes to maintain desired communication constraints.In the example embodiment, information handling system 10 interfaceswith docking station 32 through a cable 40 to support data information,graphics information and power transfer. For instance, graphicsinformation passes through graphics lanes 48 of cable 40 and to dockingstation 32 to support presentation of visual images at peripheraldisplay 34 that separately couples to docking station 32.Simultaneously, docking station 32 may provide USB data transfer throughcable 40, such as to support a network interface, and power transfer. Inalternative embodiments, a direct cable interface between informationhandling system 10 and peripheral display 34 may support graphicsinformation transfer to present visual images at peripheral display 34and bi-direction power transfer. Smart phone 52 interfaces withinformation handling system 10 to support USB data transfer, such as tosynchronize photos, and bi-directional power transfer, such as to chargethe battery of smart phone 52. In each case, USB standard link trainingis performed at link initialization, however, information and powertransfer may take place in a highly varied and asynchronous manner ateach of the separate data and power lanes. As a result, crosstalk acrossthe data and power lanes can exceed expected noise conditions determinedat initialization, resulting in errors and link failure. The USBprotocol provides correction of one-bit errors through a self-correctingchecksum. The DisplayPort protocol correction with the Reed SolomenForward Error Correction (FEC) method for blocks of graphicsinformation. If the number of errors exceeds the capability forself-correction, the associated information is either retransmitted ordropped. If an excessive number of errors occurs, the link typicallyfails to force a re-initialization; however, initialization may notcorrectly adapt the graphic, data and power protocol parameters toimprove link reliability where asynchronous transfers will continue tovary crosstalk conditions at the USB cable.

To improve link reliability across USB cable 40, communications manager36 monitors errors associated with the link and adjusts protocolparameters to improve link reliability and avoid link resets. In oneexample embodiment, communications manager 36 monitors error correctionsperformed on transferred information as an indication of the quality ofthe link. As another example, communications manager 36 monitors lostinformation, such as retransmissions of packets or dropped packets. If athreshold number of errors are detected, communications manager 36adjusts protocol parameters that define the transfer of datainformation, graphics information and power with a goal of achievingprioritized communications based upon operating conditions atinformation handling system 10. For instance, an end user executing aspreadsheet and downloading a large file might have USB data informationprioritized while reducing the colors used by the spreadsheet so thatgraphics information is decreased. In such a scenario, communicationsmanager 36 may command a reduction in graphic colors, a reduction ingraphics information transfer rate and an increase in USB data transferrates. As an alternative, communications manager 36 can adjust the datalane distribution so that data lanes assigned to graphics informationtransfer are instead assigned to USB data information transfer. Forinstance, DisplayPort provides for transfer of graphics information aspackets across two unidirectional data lanes or four unidirectional datalanes as coordinated through a bidirectional auxiliary lane.Communication manager 36 commands a transition from four to two graphicdata lanes and then assigns the two free data lanes as USB data lanes toincrease the bandwidth available for transfer of data information. In asituation where additional graphics information bandwidth is needed,communications manager 36 may take two data lanes from the USB dataprotocol and assign the freed two data lanes to the DisplayPortprotocol. In addition to reallocation of the number of data lanesbetween the data and graphics protocols, communication manager 36adjusts information transfer rates for each protocol to achieve a morerobust link. In some instances, the information transfer rate mayincrease with the assignment of additional data lanes, in otherinstances the information transfer rate may instead decrease. Inaddition, communications manager 36 may change the power transfer ratesso that coupled noised associated with power supply is reduced orchanges its interference characteristics.

Communications manager 36 adjusts data, graphics and power protocolconfigurations to achieve a desired communication goal and to maintainconstraints for lower priority protocols. For example, communicationsmanager 36 analyzes operating conditions to determine a list ofpriorities at the information handling system. The priority may be basedupon which of the protocols has the heaviest information transfer rateor may be based upon the applications open and active at the informationhandling system. With respect to power transfer, a priority for powertransfer versus information transfer may be determined based upon systempower demand, battery charge and power applied by the system to externaldevices, such as for charging a smart phone. Once the transfer of thegreatest priority is determined, a protocol configuration is set forthat transfer that achieves a desired goal, such as the maximum transferrate over a recent historical period. For instance, the priorityprotocol is provided with enough data lanes and a high enough datatransfer rate to achieve full communication of demanded information.Once the priority communication protocol configuration of parameters isestablished, the other communication protocol parameters are configuredto help maintain a robust link. For instance, if graphics information isa priority, USB data is throttled and power is reduced to help ensure arobust link that does not reset under asynchronous information and powertransfers. As an example, the table below depicts a default priority, aspreadsheet application priority and a gaming application priority. Inthe default user priority, the highest display resolution is providedwith a lower priority for USB data protocol throughput. With thespreadsheet application, such as EXCEL, color depth has a reducedimportance since the application has small color pallete while USB dataprotocol transfer have an increased importance where information may bestored at an external storage device accessed by USB datacommunications. In the gaming application, framerate and resolution aremaximized to provide full graphics while USB data and power transfershave reduced importance.

Priority Based Use Case Table Default User Application ApplicationPriority Priority (MS Excel) Priority (Gaming) USB Throughput 6 1 6Color Depth 4 5 3 Framerate 3 4 1 Resolution 2 2 2 Compression 5 3 4USB-PD Power 1 6 5 Draw

One consideration for communications manager 36 in establishing protocolpriorities is to compare the relative crosstalk interference acrossprotocols for different protocol configurations. For example, atdifferent transfer rates with different clock speeds different levels ofcrosstalk interference may arise where overlapping signals resonate tocancel or amplify each other. Thus, in some instances, communicationsmanager 36 may assign lanes between USB data and DisplayPort protocolsin a manner that adjusts information transfer rates to reduce crosstalkinterference. Generally, lower information transfer rates will provide amore robust link in the face of crosstalk so that assigning additionallanes to a protocol improves bandwidth for the protocol while reducingthe transfer rate or clock speed used for the protocol. Power transferalso implicates different types of crosstalk interference that cancouple through the USB cable. For instance, communications manager 36can command power transfer at 5, 9, 15 and 20V of direct current withvaried current amounts. By selecting a voltage and current level thatreduces crosstalk, communications manager 36 can improve informationtransfer speeds on the data graphics protocols. For instance, in somesituations power transfer may be performed at higher voltage levels andreduced currents to change the resonance relationship of crosstalkinterference at the USB cable.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an example embodiment depicts a USB Type Csoftware stack supporting cooperation between different protocol streamswith a throughput manager 78. The example embodiment depicts a Type CPort Manager (TCPM) communications manager 36 that layers software overhardware to provide control of USB data, DisplayPort graphics and USBPower Delivery transfers. A USB type C connector port 38 interfaces witha USB/DisplayPort crossbar switch 76 that accepts USB data informationfrom a USB software stack and controller 72 and DisplayPort graphicsinformation from graphics and audio GPU interface and software stack 74.Connector port 38 also interfaces with power delivery hardware includingvoltage loading switches 54, a CC function circuit 56 that coordinatesUSB PD power transfer, a PD PHY 58 and a power delivery messagecontroller 60 that executes the PD software stack. The PD software stackincludes a CC power delivery task 62, a DisplayPort mode task 64, across task interface 66, and a user application interface 68 thatcoordinate information and power transfers under a USB Type C task 70 asdefined by the USB standard. Throughput manager 78 provides an interfacefor other applications 80 to adjust data, graphic and power protocolsfor particular use cases. In the example embodiment, throughput manager78 falls in an application layer above the TPCM, however, in alternativeembodiments, throughput manager 78 may be implemented in full or in partas embedded code within the TPCM stack.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow diagram depicts a process forprioritizing protocols for communication through a multi-stream cable.The process starts at step 82 and continues to step 84 to determine if acommunication link error count exceeds a threshold associated withperforming a reconfiguration of data, graphics and power protocols. Theerror count may include error corrections performed on one or both ofthe data and graphics information, retransmissions performed to includedropped information, and/or combinations of both types of errors on oneor both protocols. In one embodiment, the error count is performed overdefined time periods, such as every second. Once an error countthreshold is exceeded, the process continues to step 86 to determine ifDisplayPort lanes are available, such as where all four DisplayPortlanes are assigned with only two lanes communicating information. IfDisplayPort lanes are available, the process continues to step 88 toincrease the number of DisplayPort lanes assigned to communicategraphics information and reduce the DisplayPort communication frequencyso that the lower clock speed provides a more robust interface. In oneembodiment, part of the determination to proceed to step 88 is basedupon an error count with a greater amount of errors associated withgraphics information. Even where a greater number of errors occur withUSB data information transfers, reducing the frequency of DisplayPortgraphics information transfer reduces crosstalk interference to improveUSB data transfer robustness. If at step 86 no DisplayPort lanes areavailable, the process continues to step 90 to determine whether USBdata or DisplayPort graphics information transfer has a higher priority.If USB data transfer has a higher priority, the process continues tostep 92 to optimize USB throughput as depicted at FIGS. 5 and 6. IfDisplayPort graphics information transfer has priority, the processcontinues to step 94 to optimize throughput on the DisplayPort lanes asshown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram depicts a process for adjustingmulti-stream communication where a graphics protocol has priority. Theprocess starts at step 96, applies EDID data for the display at step 98,such as to determine display resolution and framerate, and continues tostep 100 to determine if compression of graphics information issupported on the graphics interface. If compression is supported, theprocess continues to step 102 to enable or increase compression and thenstep 104 to determine if the throughput improvement provided bycompression is sufficient to address the link errors. If the throughputimprovement by compression is sufficient, the process continues to step112 to initiate the new display parameters. If at step 100 compressionis not supported or at step 104 the improved throughput is notsufficient, the process continues to step 106 to reduce the DisplayPortfrequency from its active setting, such as a high bit rate 3 (8.1Gbit/s), high bit rate 2 (5.4 Gbits/s), high bit rate (2.7 Gbits/s) orreduced bit rate (1.62 Gbits/s). At step 108 the color bit depth isreduced to fit within the bandwidth available at the selected transferrate. At step 110 a determination is made of whether the adjustedparameters are sufficient for the desired graphics throughput. If theprotocol adjustments are sufficient, the process initiates the protocoladjustments at step 112. If the adjustments are not sufficient, theprocess continues to step 114 to reduce the framerate of the graphicsinformation. At step 116 a determination is made of whether the reducedframe rate is sufficient and, if so, the process ends at step 112. Ifthe reduced framerate is not sufficient, the process continues to step118 to reduce the displayed resolution. At each of steps 102, 106, 108,114 and 118, the amount of graphics information required is comparedwith the amount needed to determine if additional bandwidth is required,and if so the graphics protocol is further adjusted. If at step 120 theamount of graphics bandwidth remains insufficient, the process returnsto step 100 to reiterate protocol adjustments that will achieve thedesired minimum bandwidth.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram depicts a process for adjustingmulti-stream communication where a USB data protocol has priority. Theprocess starts at step 122 and at step 124 determines if the USBthroughput is fully utilized. If so, the process continues to step 126to optimize graphics information transfer as depicted in FIG. 4 with thereduced graphics transfer providing improved link robustness. If the USBdata is not fully utilized, the process continues to step 128 to reducethe USB data protocol frequency, thus slowing USB data transfer to arate that more closely matches the needed bandwidth. At step 130, adetermination is made of whether sufficient USB bandwidth is availableand, if an excess of bandwidth is available the process returns to step124 to repeat the optimization process. If at step 130 the amount ofbandwidth meets the information transfer needs, the process ends at step132 by increasing the number of lanes available for DisplayPort graphicscommunication.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram depicts a process for adjustingmulti-stream communications and power delivery to achieve informationtransfer constraints. The process starts at step 134 and continues tostep 136 to determine if a lowest level of USB PD power level setting isgreater than the total system power (TSP) use, meaning the power to runthe system and charge the battery. If so, then sufficient power isavailable at the lowest power transfer protocol configuration and theprocess continues to step 138 to set the lower USB PD voltage. If thetotal system power exceeds the lowest power transfer setting, theprocess continues to step 142 to determine if the lowest USB PD powerlevel exceeds the system power level, meaning the amount of power forrunning the system without charging the battery. If not, the processreturns to step 134. If the power is sufficient to run the systemwithout charging the battery, the process continues to step 144 todetermine if the battery charge is above a threshold that will allow thelower power setting to be used and thus decrease battery charging. Ifso, the process continues to step 146 to set the power protocolconfiguration. At step 140, link errors are monitored to determine if animprovement was provided by the adjusted power configuration. If noimprovement is provided, the process returns to step 136 to determine ifa lower power setting may be used. If the link reliability improves withthe adjusted power configuration, the process returns to the idle stateat step 134.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system comprising: aprocessor operable to execute instructions that process information; amemory interfaced with the processor and operable to store theinstructions and information; a graphics processor interfaced with theprocessor and operable to process information to create pixel valuesthat define a visual image at a display; a power manager operable toaccept power from an external power source and apply the power tooperate the processor, memory and graphics processor and to charge abattery; a communication port configured to couple to a communicationcable having plural data lanes and a power lane; a communicationsmanager interfaced with the processor, graphics processor. power managerand the communication port, the communications manager operable toconfigure a first set of the plural data lanes to communicate with thegraphics processor through a graphics protocol, a second set of theplural data lanes to communicate with the processor through a dataprotocol and the power lane to communicate power to the power managerthrough a power protocol, the communications manager further operable todetermine errors in communication of information by the graphicsprotocol and the data protocol; and wherein the communications managertracks the errors to detect an error threshold and, in response to theerror threshold, adjusts communication by changing one or moreparameters of at least one of the graphics, data and power protocols. 2.The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the errors comprisebit error correction applied to data packets sent by the data protocolto self-correct the data packets.
 3. The information handling system ofclaim 1 wherein the errors comprise forward error correction applied tographics information communicated by the graphics protocol toself-correct the graphics information.
 4. The information handlingsystem of claim 1 wherein the errors comprise retransmission ofinformation by either of the graphics or data protocols.
 5. Theinformation handling system of claim 1 wherein the communicationsmanager adjusts communication by changing the graphics protocol toreduce from four data lanes to two data lanes, changing the dataprotocol to include the two data lanes reduced by the graphics protocol,and reducing the data rate for transfer of the information by the dataprotocol.
 6. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein thecommunication manager adjusts communications by changing that amount ofpower transferred by the data protocol.
 7. The information handlingsystem of claim 6 wherein the amount of power transferred is selected tohave a noise profile with a predetermined resonance relationship to adata rate of the data protocol.
 8. The information handling system ofclaim 1 wherein the communications manager adjusts communication byturning off power transfer for a predetermined amount of time.
 9. Theinformation handling system of claim 1 wherein the communicationsmanager adjusts communication by changing the data protocol to reduce bytwo data lanes, changing the graphics protocol to include the two datalanes reduced by the data protocol, and reducing the data rate fortransfer of the information by the graphics protocol.
 10. A method forinterfacing an information handling system with an external device, themethod comprising: coupling a cable between the information handlingsystem and external device; communicating non-graphics information witha data protocol between the information handling system and externaldevice through the cable; communicating graphics information with agraphics protocol between the information handling system and externaldevice through the cable; communicating direct current power between theinformation handling system and external device through the cable;detecting a predetermined number of errors in the information; inresponse to the detecting, selecting one of the data protocol orgraphics protocol to prioritize; and adjusting one or more of thecommunicating graphics information, communicating non-graphicsinformation and communicating direct current power to prioritize theselected of the data protocol or graphics protocol.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the adjusting one or more of the communicating furthercomprises: assigning two data lanes of the cable from the graphicsprotocol to the data protocol; and slowing a rate of the communicatingthe non-graphics information with the data protocol.
 12. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the adjusting one or more of the communicating furthercomprises: assigning two data lanes of the cable from the data protocolto the graphics protocol; and slowing a rate of the communicating thegraphics information with the graphics protocol.
 13. The method of claim10 wherein the adjusting one or more of the communicating furthercomprises adjusting the amount of the communicating the direct currentto change coupled noise characteristics associated with thecommunicating direct current power.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising: determining a resonance relationship between the directcurrent power and at least one of the data protocol and graphicsprotocol; and increasing the amount of direct current transfer to adjustthe resonance relationship.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein theerrors comprise bit error correction applied to data packets sent by thedata protocol to self-correct the data packets.
 16. The method of claim10 wherein the errors comprise forward error correction applied tographics information communicated by the graphics protocol toself-correct the graphics information.
 17. The method of claim 10wherein the errors comprise retransmission of information by either ofthe graphics or data protocols.
 18. A system for managing amulti-protocol information stream communicated through a common cable,the system comprising. a non-transitory memory; and instructions storedon the non-transitory memory that when executed on a processor: trackerrors reported by each of plural protocols of the multi-protocolinformation stream; in response to a predetermined error count, toselect one of the plural protocols as a priority for communication;adjusting the selected of the plural protocols to communicate at least aminimum amount of information; and adjusting the unselected of theplural protocols to maintain communication of the selected protocol atless than the predetermined error count.
 19. The system of claim 18wherein the instructions when executed on the processor further: assigncommunication lanes from the unselected of the plural protocols to theselected of the plural protocols; and decrease the rate of communicationon lanes of the selected protocol.
 20. The system of claim 18 whereinthe instructions when executed on the processor further: assigncommunication lanes from the selected of the plural protocols to theunselected of the plural protocols; and increase the rate ofcommunication on lanes of the selected protocol.